UCO Receives $2.5 Million Gift To Complete Boathouse On Oklahoma River

Monday, January 14th 2013, 5:01 PM CST

Updated:

Monday, January 14th 2013, 5:01 PM CST

By News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -
Construction on the CHK|Central Boathouse on the Oklahoma River will move forward thanks to a $2.5 million gift from MidFirst Bank to the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation.

The gift, $2 million of which will go directly to the boathouse, completes the university's fundraising initiative for the project.

The CHK|Central Boathouse will serve as home to the Central Women's Rowing team, and will also include a live music venue, outdoor performance area and an art gallery. The live music venues, including indoor and outdoor performance areas, will be named for MidFirst Bank.

"Through this appreciated investment, our friends at MidFirst Bank have partnered with us to achieve this university goal," said Central President Don Betz. "Our presence on the river will contribute to the thriving Boathouse district, offering athletes a place to train and the community and visitors a new venue to experience the arts."

MidFirst also donated an additional $500,000 to endow a faculty chair and assist with the university's efforts to renovate its landmark building, Old North. The gift also advances the university's "Always Central" comprehensive fundraising campaign, moving it closer to the $40 million overall goal.